Recently, disappointed residents have voiced their opinions openly about the state of Diamond Bar’s business tenancy. While many long time stores have closed their doors, new and modern franchises are taking the leap, choosing Diamond Bar instead of surrounding communities.
One courageous couple has picked Diamond Bar as the location for their first business venture. Meet Lee Salas and Ralph Jackson, partners of the new Massage Envy store set to open January 2012. The location will host 17 treatment rooms, two couples rooms, the Murad skin care system, and scores of different treatment options.
Recently engaged to be married, the couple has big plans for the future.
“I have spent many years in the banking industry," Salas said. "I understand customer service, and good business. I am very excited to take the skills I have learned to a new level, a business that brings health and wellness to people in our community.”
Both Salas and Jackson have raised children in the Walnut Valley Unified School District, and have been involved in the community and sports programs.
“We are thrilled to give back in this way," Salas said. "We considered 30 locations for our business before deciding on Diamond Bar.”
“Having the corner of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand be empty, we thought this would be a perfect location," Jackson said. "Lots of commuters in the evening, golfers in the morning, and parents taking kids to school. We hope they stop in for some therapy.”
Jackson's career as a personal trainer abruptly ended when he ruptured his Achilles tendon.
“I took a break in between clients to run some sprints on the track, and my life changed. The pain was excruciating. I endured surgery, physical therapy, and yes, massage," he said. "In fact, it was the massage therapist that made the biggest difference in my recovery. That therapist never left my side. I decided then that I wanted to help people in the same way. I’ve been certified now for six years, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s been a very rewarding career change.”
Salas and Jackson also chose Massage Envy as their franchise choice after Jackson had worked for five different locations.
“Their business model and values are respectable," he said. "I have high regard for the company, and I am proud to represent them in Diamond Bar.”
Salas had never had a massage before 10 years ago. Chronic pain from overused injuries sent her to a doctor’s office in Walnut, part of the treatment being massage therapy.
“I’ve been pain free, and the stresses of life are manageable, too," she said. "I want other people in our community to experience this. Our community is very active, and this decision to start our business here is to continue the wellness trend. A co-worker had suggested massage to me years ago, and I am so grateful she encouraged me. I was nervous and skeptical, but I avoided more serious medical procedures by giving massage a chance. Now I am giving back, and it feels great!”
Salas and Jackson acknowledge that for many, massage is a form of relaxation, or “me time.” While spa treatments can be viewed as self-indulgent by some, for others it is life saving. Jackson recalls a client of his with serious medical complications that affected her ability to walk.
“She had a string of serious hip surgeries that left her with excessive internal scar tissue and even without some bone structure," he said. "The scar tissue and muscle displacement left her in pain and with a severe walking disability. While not many people visit a bodywork center twice a week, she felt such relief from each session. She even brought me her x-rays so I could see the level of damage to her tissues. I was very motivated to help her. The therapy was not easy, but I am happy and proud to say she walks well today.”
Salas recalls the effect massage therapy had on a young athlete diagnosed with ADHD.
“The treatments helped him so much more than just the physical adjustment," she said. "Human touch is very healing, and something we don’t always realize we need. We all need to be cared for and helped at some time in our lives. We just need to make time for it and stop rushing around so much.”
The happy new owners are working hard to hire the best therapists in the area, hoping to build the reputation of their new venture. They both agreed, “We are convinced Diamond Bar will appreciate our services and realize the great effect massage therapy can have on their health.”
Will you take the time to have a specialist assess your personal needs? Lee Salas and Ralph Jackson invite you to take some much needed time out. Stay posted to Patch for their Grand Opening dates.
